UAE football teams criticise fan behaviour over flag stunt

Viral video footage shows Al Wasl fans behaving disrespectfully towards their hosts

Al Jazira players celebrate after scoring in their 2-1 win over Al Ain in the Adnoc Pro League at the Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium on Thursday, September 15, 2022. Photo: UAE Pro League

Al Jazira defeated Al Ain to make it three wins from three. Photo: UAE Pro League

Al Ain celebrate scoring against AL Jazira. Photo: UAE Pro League

Al Jazira v Al Ain was the match of the third round. Photo: UAE Pro League

Shabab Al Ahli battled for a 2-1 win against Al Wahda at the Rashid Stadium. Photo: UAE Pro League

Shabab Al Ahli defeated Al Wahda. Photo: UAE Pro League

Shabab Al Ahli battle with Al Wahda. Photo: UAE Pro League

A video went viral after a group of Al Wasl football fans wrapped their club’s scarf around an Al Nasr club flag and raised it up the pole on the night of a match between the two sides.

The video showed a group of Al Wasl fans lowering Al Nasr’s blue flag before attaching Al Wasl’s yellow scarf and raising it up the flag pole at Al Maktoum stadium in Bur Dubai.

Both teams issued statements condemning the ‘irresponsible behaviour’ that happened after the Dubai derby, which saw Al Wasl win 2-1 on Saturday.

“We congratulate Al Wasl Club for their win on October 1, 2022, but we reject the unjustified acts by an irresponsible group of fans,” Al Nasr club said.

“Such acts don’t fit at all with the values and principles of the UAE. We reject all types of bigotry. This group of fans only care to incite violence and hate.”

Al Nasr club added that steps were being taken to deter similar behaviour in the future.

“The legal procedure is to set an example for anyone trying to break the law and spread fanaticism and violence in sports,” added the club.

Representatives from Al Wasl football club said it did not support the behaviour and that particular group did not represent Emirati football fans nor Al Wasl fans.

“There is a historic and solid bond between the two clubs though decades. There has been some irresponsible behaviour by a group of fans after the match during the fourth round of Adnoc Pro League,” said Al Wasl football club.

“We are strongly condemning these personal acts which are not representing the Emirati football fans in general and Al Wasl fans in particular.”

The club called on football fans to to demonstrate good sportsmanship and tolerance during matches.

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